AEON will also pioneer Checkpoint’s RFID robot prototype (Video) to automate the in-store inventory cycle-counting process so it can improve inventory visibility and enhance the shopper experience.

AEON RETAIL and Checkpoint have begun to implement source-tagging for apparel and consumer packaged goods merchandise. The source-tagging program will ensure merchandise arrives at stores already tagged and shelf-ready. With these solutions in place, AEON RETAIL aims to improve operational efficiencies with accurate inventory visibility, automating tasks that allow staff to focus their time on customer-facing activities, thus improving the overall shopper experience.

AEON RETAIL has been piloting Checkpoint’s RFID solution and will now expand it to its latest flagship store. It will utilize Checkpoint’s OAT Enterprise software fully integrated into its point-of-sale and point of exit systems and Checkpoint’s new UNO RF/RFID label. This technology will enable AEON RETAIL to automatically match its inventory with merchandise sales and identify to the unit any items that left the store. The accuracy of the information will help reduce excess inventory, reduce out-of-stocks and improve operational efficiencies.

The flagship store will also feature a first of its kind, Checkpoint’s prototype robot-enabled inventory counting solution. The robot will automate the inventory cycle counting process to eliminate human-error, reduce operational costs and shift what used to be an employee task to value-added activities where they can better serve the shopper.

AEON RETAIL ensures that the investment in EAS (EVOLVE iRange P10) can be upgraded to RFID and the labels can be utilized in conventional EAS or in an RFID-enabled store for both loss prevention and inventory visibility.

“We are excited to work with AEON RETAIL on this RFID pilot, and we are committed to a successful and evolving inventory availability program for the company,” said Per Levin, President, Merchandise Availability Solutions, Checkpoint Systems.

AEON RETAIL is the core company of the AEON group which gathers over 300 companies that support people’s daily lives. They operate 350 supermarkets in Japan’s main island and the Shikoku area. AEON RETAIL has launched the “AEON STYLE” stores which offer a large selection of goods and high-quality services such as the “AEON STYLE Makuhari – Shintoshin,” a flagship store, which opened in December 2013.